Coiba Origins

Located in the Gulf of Chiriquí, Coiba National Park is off Panama’s Pacific coast. Coiba National Park (Nacional Parque Coiba) is a group of 38 islands including Coiba Island (Isla Coiba) and the waters surrounding them and covers 430,825 acres. 
Identified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2005, Coiba National Park offers rich and well preserved natural resources.

Because Isla Coiba served Panama as a penal colony, access to the island was very restricted.  Almost by accident, 80% of the islands natural resources have survived untouched and flourished through limited human contact.

With its designations as a National Park, Isla Coiba, its surrounding waters and island neighbors have been given a greater degree of protection.  While still subject to poaching, illegal logging and other trespasses, the Panamanian government has taken a large step in their preservation.